The Groundwater Mapping and Wellfield Development Project in Chongwe District is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening water security in one of Zambia’s rapidly growing peri-urban areas. The project complements the Government’s broader agenda of expanding access to safe, reliable, and climate-resilient potable water for all citizens. By improving the understanding, development, and management of groundwater resources in Chongwe, the project will contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability of water supply services managed by the Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company (LWSC).
Project Objectives
The project is designed to achieve two key objectives:
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Identify and characterize a local aquifer in the Chongwe area with sufficient productive capacity to sustainably support settlement-level water supply.
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Develop at least one wellfield to provide a reliable water source for LWSC, thereby expanding water supply coverage and reducing pressure on existing systems.
Key Activities
The project will undertake a comprehensive suite of technical, environmental, and management activities, including:
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Detailed hydrogeological assessments, including geophysical surveys and groundwater exploration to map aquifers and determine yield potential.
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Development of wellfields to support Water Supply and Sanitation services.
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Implementation of environmental and social safeguards in line with national standards and SADC-GMI requirements.
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Procurement of specialised goods, works, and services necessary for wellfield development.
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Project follow-up and technical support to ensure effective implementation.
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Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to track progress, performance, and sustainability.
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Installation of an automated groundwater monitoring borehole for real-time tracking of groundwater levels and quality parameters.
Expected Outputs
Upon completion, the project will deliver the following outputs:
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Functional wellfield(s) identified, characterised, and established for water supply and sanitation services in the Chongwe area.
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At least three production boreholes drilled, developed, and equipped with electrical submersible pumps.
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A water reticulation system connecting the new boreholes to storage facilities at the existing LWSC wellfield to ensure efficient water transfer and distribution.
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An automated groundwater monitoring borehole installed to continuously measure groundwater levels and water quality, strengthening long-term aquifer management.
